Food steamer and rack system

ABSTRACT

A device and method for steaming and presenting of food deploys a spacer that rests on top of a cookware vessel. The spacer has a lower inner flange to support a steaming rack. A leg supported serving or presentation rack is adapted for lifting, supporting and presenting the steamed food when the spacer and steaming rack are lowered over it. The spacer has a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the presentation rack so that the spacer may be lowered around the presentation rack to engage the steaming rack along the presentation rack. The presentation rack has a sufficient height relative to the spacer height to dispose the food proximal to or above the rim of the spacer.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to cookware and components for steamingand serving steamed food.

Steaming foods is a well-developed and appreciated form of cooking inmany cultures, particularly in Asia where steamed whole fish and otherfoods are popular. Steamers are commonly used to steam foods. Oncesteamed, many foods become rather delicate and removing them from thesteamer vessel can disturb the appearance of the steamed food if notdone carefully. The steamer vessel and food positioning insert aretypically hot, so it is important for the server to protect their handsfrom heat. However, protective gloves limit manual dexterity, making itmore difficult to carefully remove the delicate steamed foods.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a cookware apparatus includes a vessel, a spacer, aperforated rack, and a support rack. The vessel includes a bottom andsubstantially upright sidewalls extending between the bottom and anupper rim of the vessel and is adapted to retain a fluid. The spacer isadapted to be selectively disposed on the vessel and includes one ormore generally upright sidewalls forming a perimeter of the spacer anddefining an interior hollow therebetween. When the spacer is disposed onthe vessel, a lower rim of the spacer and the upper rim of the vesselmay be in generally sealed engagement. The perforated rack is adapted tobe selectively positioned within the hollow between the lower rim and anupper rim of the spacer. The perforated rack may stably engage a portionof the sidewall when positioned within the hollow. The support rack maydefine an outer perimeter positionable within the hollow of the spacerand is adapted to support the perforated rack when the spacer withinwhich the perforated rack is positioned is lowered to surround at leastan upper portion of the support rack.

In various configurations, the apparatus may further include a lidadapted to interchangeably seal and cover the vessel and the spacer. Thesidewalls of the spacer may include a flange to support the perforatedrack within the hollow and which may be positioned more proximate to thelower rim than the upper rim of the spacer. The support rack may includean upper frame and at least three legs that support the upper frame. Theupper frame is adapted to supportively engage the perforated rack whenthe spacer is lowered. The legs may position the upper frame at a heightgreater than a height of the spacer.

In some configurations the apparatus may further include a second spacerand a second perforated rack. The second spacer may be adapted to beselectively disposed on the first spacer and include one or moregenerally upright sidewalls forming a perimeter of the second spacer anddefining an interior hollow therebetween. A lower rim of the secondspacer and the upper rim of the first spacer may be in generally sealedengagement when the spacers are stacked. The second perforated rack maybe adapted to be selectively positioned within the hollow between thelower rim and an upper rim of the second spacer. The second perforatedrack may stably engage a portion of the sidewall when positioned withinthe hollow. The support rack defines an outer perimeter positionablewithin the hollow of the second spacer and is adapted to support thesecond perforated rack when the second spacer within which theperforated rack is positioned is lowered to surround at least an upperportion of the support rack. The apparatus may further include a lidadapted to interchangeably seal and cover the vessel, the first spacer,and the second spacer. The sidewall of the second spacer may include aflange positioned below the lower rim and that extends interiorly withrespect to the hollow to support the second perforated rack. The supportrack may include an upper frame and at least three legs supporting theupper frame which supportively engages the perforated rack when thespacer within which the perforated rack is positioned is lowered. Thelegs may position the upper frame at a height greater than a height ofthe second spacer. The upper frame may include an annular support rim,spokes, and a central hub. The support rim may be connected to an upperportion of each leg, and the spokes may connect the support rim to thehub.

In another aspect, a method of using a steamer includes removing a lowerrim of a spacer from an upper rim of a vessel adapted to generate steam;positioning the spacer above a support rack; and engaging a perforatedrack removably retained within an interior hollow of the spacer bylowering the spacer to surround the support rack, wherein the supportrack supports the perforated rack when engaged therewith.

In various configurations, the vessel may be adapted to retain a fluidand includes a bottom and substantially upright sidewalls extendingbetween the bottom and the upper rim of the vessel. The spacer mayinclude one or more generally upright sidewalls forming a perimeter ofthe spacer and defining the hollow therebetween. The spacer may bedisposed on the vessel such that the lower rim of the spacer and theupper rim of the vessel are in generally sealed engagement. Theperforated rack may stably engage a portion of the sidewall whenpositioned within the hollow. The sidewalls of the spacer may include aflange positioned more proximate to the lower rim than the upper rim andthat extends interiorly with respect to the hollow. The flange maysupport the perforated rack when the perforated rack is positionedwithin the hollow. The support rack may include an upper frame and atleast three legs that support the upper frame, wherein the upper framesupportively engages the perforated rack when the spacer is lowered tosurround the support rack. The method may further include removing a lidfrom an upper rim of the spacer before removing the lower rim of thespacer from the upper rim of the vessel.

In some configurations, the method may further include removing a lowerrim of a second spacer from an upper rim of the first spacer beforepositioning the first spacer above the first support rack; positioningthe second spacer above a second support rack; and engaging a secondperforated rack removably retained within an interior hollow of thesecond spacer by lowering the second spacer to surround the secondsupport rack, wherein the second support rack supports the secondperforated rack when engaged therewith. The second spacer may be adaptedto be selectively disposed on the first spacer and include one or moregenerally upright sidewalls forming a perimeter of the second spacer anddefine an interior hollow therebetween. The second spacer may bedisposed on the upper rim of the first spacer in generally sealedengagement. In one arrangement, the sidewall of the second spacerincludes a flange positioned below the lower rim and that extendsinteriorly with respect to the hollow to support the second perforatedrack when positioned therein. The second support rack may include anupper frame and at least three legs supporting the upper frame andsupportively engage the second perforated rack when the second spacer islowered. The legs may position the upper frame at a height greater thana height of the second spacer. The method may also include removing alid from an upper rim of the second spacer before removing the lower rimof the second spacer from the upper rim of the first spacer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-section illustration of the steamer systemas assembled for cooking.

FIGS. 2A-C are perspective views of select components of FIG. 1 and afood support rack that can be used for removal of food and serving.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate steps in the process of using support rack ofFIG. 2C for serving.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional illustration of another embodiment of usingthe support rack for serving, whereas FIG. 4B is a perspective viewthereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a new and improved Food Steamer and Rack System andmethod of using a Food Steamer and Rack System, which are described withreference to FIGS. 1-4B, wherein like reference numerals refer to likecomponents in the various views.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, a Food Steamer and Rack System 100may comprise a steamer assembly including vessel 110 for containing aliquid to be heated to create steam. The vessel 100 includes an upperrim 111, a bottom 112, and one or more sidewalls 113 extending betweenthe upper rim 111 and the bottom 112.

The steamer assembly may further include one or more stackable spacerrings. As shown, spacer 120 is dimensioned to be supported on the vessel110 and includes an upper rim 121, a lower rim 122, and one or moresidewalls 123 forming a perimeter and defining a hollow 126therebetween. The lower rim 122 is adapted to generally sealingly engageand be supported along the similarly dimensioned upper rim 111 of thevessel 110. One or more handles 125 may be positioned below the upperrim 121 for grasping and maneuvering the spacer 120. The vessel 110 mayalso optionally include handles (not shown) below rim 111. The sidewall123 may include one or more flanges 124 that protrude inwardly withrespect to the hollow 126. As shown, the flange 124 forms a continuousannular ledge about the sidewall 123. In another embodiment, thesidewall 123 includes two or more flange 124 segments protrudinginwardly with respect to the hollow 126. The flange 124 may typically bepositioned between the lower rim 122 and the upper rim 121, preferablyabove and more proximal to the lower rim 122 than the upper rim 121. Inanother example, the flange 124 extends inward from a position below thelower rim 122.

The steamer assembly may also include one or more perforated plates orracks 140 for supporting food or plates holding food. Perforated rack140 is selectively positionable within the hollow 126 and supportedtherein along the flange 124. The perforated rack 140 may define aplurality of perforations and an outer perimeter 144 of sufficientdiameter to engage and be supported by the flange 124.

The steamer assembly of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes or isconfigured to incorporate multiple stackable spacers. Additional spacers120′ and 120″ are stacked above spacer 120. Spacer 120′ includes anupper rim 121′, a lower rim 122′, and one or more sidewalls 123′ forminga perimeter and defining a hollow 126′ therebetween. The lower rim 122′is adapted to generally sealingly engage and be supported along thesimilarly dimensioned upper rim 121 of spacer 120. Spacer 120′ furtherincludes handles 125 for grasping an maneuvering the spacer 120′.Sidewall 123′ of spacer 120′ also includes one or more flanges 124′protruding inwardly with respect to the hollow 126′. Flange 124′ ispositioned below the lower rim 122′ and is dimensioned to engage andsupport a perforated rack 140′. In another embodiment, flange 124′ maybe positioned level with lower rim 122′ or between lower rim 122′ andupper rim 121′. Perforated rack 140′ has a perimeter 144′ having adiameter less than the diameter of the hollow 126′. The assembly furtherincludes perforated rack 140″. Perforated rack 140″ has a perimeter 144″having a diameter greater than the diameter of the hollow 126′ and isselectively positionable on upper rim 121′. In another embodiment,sidewall 123′ may further include one or more additional flanges forsupporting a perforated rack having a diameter less than the diameter ofthe hollow 126′ but greater than the diameter of perforated rack 140′.In such an arrangement, the additional flange may protrude less inwardlythan flange 124′ and may be positioned between the lower rim 122′ andthe upper rim 121′, more proximate to the upper rim 121′.

Spacer 120″ includes a lower rim 122″ and one or more sidewalls 126″forming a perimeter and defining a hollow 126″ therebetween. Spacer 120″further includes a lid 130 covering one end of the hollow 126″. Thelower rim 122″ is adapted to generally sealingly engage and be supportedalong the similarly dimensioned upper rim 121′ or perforated rack 140″.In the illustrated embodiment or another embodiment, lower rim 122″ maybe adapted to interchangeably generally sealingly engage and besupported along either upper rim 121, 121′ (or perforated rack 140″positioned thereon), depending on which spacer 120, 120′ is available.Spacer 120″ is joined to the lid 130 including a handle 135 such thathandle 135 can be used to lift the last spacer 120″ and the lid 130together. The illustrated vessel 110 and spacers 120, 120′, 120″ aregenerally cylindrical having generally round perimeters. However, inother embodiments, the vessel 110 and spacers 120, 120′, 120″ may defineother perimeter shapes such as square, rectangular, oval, or othergeometric or non-geometric shapes.

The system 100 may further include a stand rack 150 (FIG. 2C) sized tosit on perforated rack 140, 140′ to support food during cooking or beused as a service and support device as shown in FIG. 3A-4B. The rack150 is dimensioned to support and reposition racks 140, 140′ from withinthe hollow 126, 126′ of the respective spacer 120, 120′ and may have asmaller vertical dimensions than spacers 120, 120′. In one example, theupper portions 156 a of legs 156 include supports to engage and supportitems on the rack 150. The rack 150 may also be placed in vessel 110 andtherein used to support a plate or food above boiling or simmering waterduring steaming, or may be nested in the assembly for compact storage.

With reference to FIG. 4A, the rack 150 includes a wide upper frame 151supported by legs 156. The upper frame 151 has a smaller outer diameter(d) than the inner diameter (D) the spacer 120. The upper frame 151 ofthe rack 150 is disposed a height (h) above the bottom of support legs156, in which (h) is comparable to or greater than the height (H) of thespacer 120. As a result, a plate 10 may be used to cook food 1 tothereby disposed the food 1 generally above the rim 121 of the spacer120 for ease of further preparation, such as seasoning, cutting intoserving portion, and eventually serving. The upper frame 151 includesone or more supports to supportingly engage items, such as perforatedrack 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the supports include an annularrim 152 that attaches to upper portions 156 a of legs 156. In further orother embodiments, the upper frame 151 includes different or additionalsupports positioned to engage items, e.g., prongs, posts, or othersuitable supporting structures may be used.

FIG. 3A-3D shows how the rack 150 may be used on a table or counter 20used for preparation of serving. Specifically, spacer 120, havingperforated rack 140 supported therein and further supporting a bowl 12of steamed food thereon is lifted from the rim 111 of the vessel 110(FIG. 3A). The spacer 120 is then positioned above the rack 150 (FIG.3B) and lowered toward the rack 150 so that perforated rack 140 willencounter and be supported by the upper frame 151 of rack 150 (FIG. 3C).The spacer 120, having a larger inner diameter D than the perforatedrack 140, can be lowered further (FIG. 3D) until it rests on thetable/counter 20, disposing the bowl 12 at a comfortable height abovethe rim 121 of the spacer 120 for ease of access and presentation of thebowl 12, or the food 1 (see FIG. 4B). In various embodiments, the system100 may include multiple racks 150, e.g., for supporting multipleperforated racks 140, 140′, 140″ or other items at the same time. Withfurther reference to FIG. 1, in a similar manner, spacer 120″ may beremoved from engagement with spacer 120, positioned over rack 150 or asecond rack 150, and then lowered to support perforated rack 140′ alongthe upper frame 151. The method may further include grasping handle 135and lifting spacer 120″ from the perimeter 144″ of perforated rack 140″,upper rim 122, or upper rim 122′.

The illustrated presentation stand or rack 150 defines a generallyannular profile and may be formed of metal wire. The rack 150 has threeof more legs 156 to provide a stable base for supporting the upper frame151. The perimeter profile of the rack 150 has a diameter less that theinner diameter of the hollow 126, and, as shown, the legs 156 extendlaterally outward about an equivalent distance as the support rim 152.In some embodiments, the legs 156 do not extend outward laterally morethan the outer diameter of the upper frame 151; however, in oneembodiment, the legs 156 extend laterally beyond the outer diameter ofthe upper frame 151. The upper frame 151 includes a central hub 158 andthree pairs of spokes 157 that connect the hub to the support rim 152and the upper portion 156 a of each leg 156. Each leg 156 includes adoubled over wire that extends to the upper frame 156. The wire maysimilarly further extend from the upper portion 156 a to the hub 158,forming a pair of spokes 157 therebetween. The legs 156 may attach belowthe upper frame 156. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, legs156 are coupled together at hub 158 below the support rim 152. The rack150 illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 4A include spokes 157 that extend at adownwardly directed angle from the support rim 152 and then angle up toapproximately horizontal before connecting with the hub 158, therebyforming a recess or bowl. In operation, the perforated rack 140 may reston the top of the three legs, but a bowl (depending on its size) couldrest on the central hub 158, where it may be laterally restrained by theupper frame 151, along the angled spokes 157, the top 156 a of the legs156, the support rim 152, or combination thereof. A larger bowl mightonly rest on the support rim 152. Thus, supports may include spokes 157,hub 158, or both in addition to or instead of support rim 152. FIG. 3illustrates another configuration of the rack 150 wherein the spokes 157and hub 158 extend along the same plane as support rim 152. In thisembodiment, the spokes 157 extend generally horizontally between thesupport rim 152 and the hub 158.

In other embodiments the rack 150 can have other shapes and sizeswithout departing from the operative principles disclosed above, and canbe formed of metal sheet, cast metal, wood, bamboo, ceramic or bentmetal wire as shown. Similarly the perforated rack 140 can be formed asa wire frame rack rather than a perforated metal disk, so long as thetop of the rack or presentation stand 150 is dimensioned to stablyengage and support it. In some embodiments, the perforated rack 140 mayinclude grooves, notches, or other contours or surface features alongits lower surface for receiving correspondingly dimensioned supportsalong the upper frame 151 to more stably position thereon.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cookware apparatus, the apparatus comprising:a) a vessel to retain a fluid, the vessel having a bottom andsubstantially upright sidewalls extending between the bottom and anupper rim of the vessel; b) a spacer adapted to be selectively disposedon the vessel, the spacer comprising one or more generally uprightsidewalls forming a perimeter of the spacer and defining an interiorhollow therebetween, wherein, when the spacer is disposed on the vessel,a lower rim of the spacer and the upper rim of the vessel are ingenerally sealed engagement; c) a perforated rack adapted to beselectively positioned within the hollow between the lower rim and anupper rim of the spacer, wherein the perforated rack stably engages aportion of the sidewall when positioned within the hollow; and d) asupport rack defining an outer perimeter positionable within the hollowof the spacer, wherein the support rack is adapted to support theperforated rack when the spacer within which the perforated rack ispositioned is lowered to surround at least an upper portion of thesupport rack.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lidadapted to interchangeably seal and cover the vessel and the spacer. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls of the spacer include aflange positioned more proximate to the lower rim than the upper rim ofthe spacer and that extends interiorly with respect to the hollow, andwherein the flange supports the perforated rack when the perforated rackis positioned within the hollow.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe support rack comprises an upper frame and at least three legssupporting the upper frame, and wherein the upper frame supportivelyengages the perforated rack when the spacer within which the perforatedrack is positioned is lowered to surround at least the upper portion ofthe support rack.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the legs positionthe upper frame at a height greater than a height of the spacer.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second spacer adapted to beselectively disposed on the first spacer, the second spacer comprisingone or more generally upright sidewalls forming a perimeter of thesecond spacer and defining an interior hollow therebetween, wherein,when the second spacer is disposed on the first spacer, a lower rim ofthe second spacer and the upper rim of the first spacer are in generallysealed engagement; and a second perforated rack adapted to beselectively positioned within the hollow between the lower rim and anupper rim of the second spacer, wherein the second perforated rackstably engages a portion of the sidewall when positioned within thehollow, wherein the support rack defines an outer perimeter positionablewithin the hollow of the second spacer, wherein the support rack isadapted to support the second perforated rack when the second spacerwithin which the perforated rack is positioned is lowered to surround atleast an upper portion of the support rack.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,further comprising a lid adapted to interchangeably seal and cover thevessel, the first spacer, and the second spacer.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the sidewall of the second spacer includes a flangepositioned below the lower rim and that extends interiorly with respectto the hollow, and wherein the flange supports the second perforatedrack when the second perforated rack is positioned within the hollow. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support rack comprises an upperframe and at least three legs supporting the upper frame, and whereinthe upper frame supportively engages the perforated rack when the spacerwithin which the perforated rack is positioned is lowered to surround atleast the upper portion of the support rack, wherein the legs positionthe upper frame at a height greater than a height of the second spacer.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the upper frame comprises anannular support rim, spokes, and a central hub, wherein the support rimis connected to an upper portion of each leg, and wherein the spokesconnect the support rim to the hub.
 11. A method of using a steamer, themethod comprising: a) removing a lower rim of a spacer from an upper rimof a vessel adapted to generate steam; b) positioning the spacer above asupport rack; and c) engaging a perforated rack removably retainedwithin an interior hollow of the spacer by lowering the spacer tosurround the support rack, wherein the support rack supports theperforated rack when engaged therewith.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the vessel is adapted to retain a fluid and includes a bottomand substantially upright sidewalls extending between the bottom and theupper rim of the vessel; wherein the spacer includes one or moregenerally upright sidewalls forming a perimeter of the spacer anddefining the hollow therebetween, wherein, when the spacer is disposedon the vessel, the lower rim of the spacer and the upper rim of thevessel are in generally sealed engagement; and wherein the perforatedrack stably engages a portion of the sidewall when positioned within thehollow.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sidewalls of the spacerinclude a flange positioned more proximate to the lower rim than theupper rim of the spacer and that extends interiorly with respect to thehollow, and wherein the flange supports the perforated rack when theperforated rack is positioned within the hollow.
 14. The method of claim11, wherein the support rack comprises an upper frame and at least threelegs supporting the upper frame, and wherein the upper framesupportively engages the perforated rack when the spacer is lowered tosurround the support rack.
 15. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising removing a lid from an upper rim of the spacer beforeremoving the lower rim of the spacer from the upper rim of the vessel.16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: a) removing a lower rimof a second spacer from an upper rim of the first spacer beforepositioning the first spacer above the first support rack; b)positioning the second spacer above a second support rack; and c)engaging a second perforated rack removably retained within an interiorhollow of the second spacer by lowering the second spacer to surroundthe second support rack, wherein the second support rack supports thesecond perforated rack when engaged therewith.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein the second spacer is adapted to be selectively disposed onthe first spacer and comprises one or more generally upright sidewallsforming a perimeter of the second spacer and defining the hollowtherebetween, wherein, when the second spacer is disposed on the upperrim of the first spacer, the lower rim of the second spacer and theupper rim of the first spacer are in generally sealed engagement. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the sidewall of the second spacerincludes a flange positioned below the lower rim and that extendsinteriorly with respect to the hollow, and wherein the flange supportsthe second perforated rack when the second perforated rack is positionedwithin the hollow.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the secondsupport rack comprises an upper frame and at least three legs supportingthe upper frame, and wherein the upper frame supportively engages thesecond perforated rack when the second spacer is lowered to surround atleast the upper portion of the second support rack, and wherein the legsposition the upper frame at a height greater than a height of the secondspacer.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing a lidfrom an upper rim of the second spacer before removing the lower rim ofthe second spacer from the upper rim of the first spacer.